Weeks after billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates announced that they are divorcing after 27 years of marriage, new reports are coming in stating that she is pushing for a leadership change in their foundation.
The Wall Street Journal reported sources close to the matter are saying that in the wake of her divorce filing, Melinda is calling for governance changes in The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mark Suzman, the foundation’s CEO who handles day-to-day operations, said he is actively discussing with both Bill and Melinda about possible steps to “strengthen the long-term sustainability and stability of the foundation,” adding that “no decisions have been made.”
“Bill and Melinda have reaffirmed their commitment to the foundation and continue to work together on behalf of our mission,” he continued.
Bill and Melinda announced their divorce earlier this month, saying that their marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” they said in a statement. “Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.”
“We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives,” their statement concluded. “We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”
“I think the whole family wishes this would go away so they can return to their lives — whatever that may be now,” a friend of the family said.
Bill reportedly admitted to his golf buddies that his marriage to Melinda was “loveless” prior to their divorce filing.
“Bill did talk to his close friends on the golf course,” a source told The New York Post. “He told them a while back that the marriage was loveless, that it had been over for some time and they were living separate lives.”
Another source said that the decision to get a divorce was difficult on Melinda due to her strong Roman Catholic faith.
“She wants to get an annulment from the Vatican following the civil divorce, I’m told,” said another source who has worked with Melinda.
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